Yesterday's exterior paints contained toxic lead. Today's exterior paints include high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are also dangerous to human health. This is one example of a toxic ingredient found in most exterior paints.

Buy this informative How-To Guide to learn safer materials and methods for exterior painting that will help to protect your family and safeguard your home.

Who we are

We research and test non-toxic and less toxic materials and methods. The results of our research can be found in the SaferBuilding™ How-To Guides and Environmental Disclosures. For less than $1. per topic, you get the benefit of our research.

It's peace of mind - all for less than $1 per topic. Download yours today!

This site is not being funded by manufacturers of any of the materials listed on this site.

A. Our information is unbiased... we don't accept funds from manufacturers, nor do we sell building materials. We sell information.

Q. Can’t I just find this information on the Internet?A. Frankly, no! This information is not found anywhere else - SaferBuilding.com is the team that conducts the research! We don't parrot information from manufacturers, but actually take their products and test them for efficacy, toxicity, and combinations of products. We then create the methods when using the SaferBuilding™ approved materials in America's Test Homes.

Q. How did you come up with the cost?A. We’ve purposely kept the cost low – to encourage you to “do it right.” The cost is tiny compared to the cost of construction or the cost of your health.

Q. I'm a professional builder and know my trade. Is this for me?

A. Yes. The SaferBuilding™ How-To Guides assume a professional level knowledge of the trade and discuss differences between traditional building and SaferBuilding™. They include both materials and methods.

Q. Why How-To Guides and not just materials?A. If you want a less toxic paint, why not just ask “what paint to use?” We know from experience that you’ll often overlook important things – like the primer, caulk, joint compound, spackle, trim pieces and other materials that can interfere with your indoor air quality. So we show you the whole picture.

Q. Why not just provide a list of materials used?A. That would eliminate the method – which can be just as important! For example, if a smoker lived in a room, then we’d want to sand and wash the smoke residue off the walls and ceilings before beginning to paint.

Q. Won’t my contractor know the right materials and methods to use?A. Most contractors do not know the SaferBuilding™ methods and materials. Play it safe – give them the “How-To” Guides and know the job will be done the right way!

How-To Guides are $20 for the compelete setYou can and get the Environmental Disclosures for an extra $5 (a $15 saving).

Start To Finish, Our How-To Guides Help You Get The Job Done Right!

Only SaferBuilding™ gives you easy to read, easy to follow instructions on methods and materials to do the job the right way. And once you see how the process works for one project, you'll want them for every project!

Here’s what your $20.00 will get you:

Take-Along Materials ListTake this list with you to the store and get everything you’ll need for the Project. But remember – it’s not just the materials – but how you use them.

Step by Step DirectionsWhether you’re a licensed contractor, handyman or a do-it-yourselfer who already has a basic knowledge of the project, SaferBuilding™ directions show you at each step what is different about the SaferBuilding™ method. This goes from demolition to preparation to installation to finishing up the project.

Common Mistakes & ErrorsWe’ll show you the common mistakes that are made if you’re used to traditional building methods and materials versus SaferBuilding™.

LinksYou’ll find links to additional resources that will help you with your project.

It’s peace of mind for your family - all for less than $1 per topic!

Paint job in San Francisco using SaferBuilding™
approved materials and methods

San Rafael

Marin County

We assume NO LIABILITY for the final decisions made by you regarding the work you intend to do. If your contractor does not follow the SaferBuilding™ materials and methods, then your property may not qualify for a SaferBuilding™ Certificate of Good Standing.